nycdaug Why did Li Xin fail in Chapter 43?
Why did Li Xin fail in Chapter 43?
Upon returning to Zhangtai Palace, the King of Qin said to Ying Wuyou, "Come with me to Zhangtai Hall." He then turned and walked towards the hall. Ying Wuyou dared not delay and hurriedly followed. The other ministers and princes took their leave and went about their own business.
Following the King of Qin back to the Zhangtai Palace, the King of Qin, with a serious expression, stared intently at Ying Wuyou and asked, "Jiayang, what are your thoughts on what Li Xin said?" The reason the King of Qin kept Ying Wuyou behind and brought up Li Xin was simply to find out the reason for Li Xin's failure to attack the State of Chu.
Upon hearing the King of Qin's question, Ying Wuyou cursed inwardly: [What can I think? What can I possibly think? I'm just an eight-year-old child, eight years old! Li Xin, you heartless bastard, you won't even spare a young and ignorant child like me, this is simply outrageous!] However, she calmly replied, "Your subject is still young, and marriage is too far off. It's not too late to discuss it in a few years."
The King of Qin listened to his daughter's inward grumbling, then looked at her outwardly embarrassed expression, and found it amusing. He deliberately said, "Oh? But I think it's best to settle things as soon as possible. Otherwise, good young men will be snatched away by others."
Ying Wuyou thought to herself, "What use are men? If I have no man in my heart, drawing my sword will be effortless. I'm going to be the leading lady, and men will only slow me down." But she said aloud, "I am Father's daughter, so naturally I should be matched with the best possible man. I must observe carefully before choosing someone. How can you just pick anyone for me to marry?"
The King of Qin was completely bewildered. [What is a female lead? Why draw the sword? And why would a man affect the speed at which the sword is drawn?] He frowned, looking at Ying Wuyou with a puzzled expression, but he didn't dare to ask directly.
The King of Qin thought for a moment and decided to put the matter aside for now, as this was not the time to discuss it. He shook his head helplessly and said, "Jiayang, you...you, never mind, let's talk about this later." The King of Qin really didn't know how to broach the subject. [These are questions I cannot ask, I cannot let Jiayang know that I can hear her thoughts, I can only let this matter rest.]
The King of Qin's expression was solemn, and he asked in a serious tone, "Jiayang, I have considered this matter and plan to launch a military campaign against the State of Yan after the New Year. After Yan is subdued, we will then turn our attention to the State of Chu. What are your thoughts on this plan?" His eyes revealed determination and resolve, as if he had already made up his mind to implement this strategy.
Ying Wuyou was startled; she hadn't expected the King of Qin to plan an attack on the Yan state so soon. She knew all too well the cruelty and destructiveness of war, and that the Yan state was not so easily conquered.
Ying Wuyou frantically called out to the system in his mind: "System, system, what does the First Emperor mean by this? Why is he suddenly asking me about military strategy?"
The system slowly got up, stretched lazily, and said languidly, "[Host, this system is also completely baffled by this, but this system suspects it might be related to Li Xin?]"
Ying Wuyou's eyes lit up instantly, and he said with a beaming smile, "System, you're really smart! I think you're right!" The system rolled its eyes and said irritably, "Host, 'smart' probably means not so smart!"
Ying Wuyou smiled and said dismissively, "[Hehe, they're all pretty much the same. It's just that Li Xin should have been given an important position after the destruction of Yan. Right now, he's just a deputy general. Could it be that the First Emperor wanted to prepare for the future and promote Li Xin ahead of time?]" The system said helplessly, "[I, as a system, have no way of knowing that.]" Ying Wuyou stopped chatting with the system.
After a moment's thought, Ying Wuyou raised his head and looked at the King of Qin, saying, "Father, I don't understand these things. We should discuss the war with General Wang Jian."
She secretly rejoiced that she hadn't answered the question rashly. After all, military strategy was a complex and sensitive field that required considering numerous factors. She knew her understanding in this area was limited and dared not easily offer her opinion.
At the same time, Ying Wuyou also understood that Wang Jian, as a renowned general of Qin, possessed rich experience and outstanding talent. Discussing war matters with him would yield more comprehensive and accurate information and advice, helping to make more informed decisions.
The King of Qin frowned. "You think highly of General Wang Jian?"
“Of course, General Wang Jian is an ever-victorious general,” Ying Wuyou replied with a smile.
After a moment of silence, the King of Qin nodded in approval.
“However, Father, Qin is not yet fully prepared, and it is not the best course of action to start a war at this time,” Ying Wuyou said, cupping his hands in greeting.
"Oh? Then what do you think should be done?" The King of Qin looked at Ying Wuyou with great interest.
"Your Majesty believes that we should first consolidate our domestic affairs, develop the economy, and strengthen our military. When the time is right, we can launch a decisive military campaign and achieve immediate success," Ying Wuyou analyzed.
The King of Qin nodded slightly, saying nothing more. Instead, he asked, "What is your opinion of Li Xin?"
After a moment's thought, Ying Wuyou replied, "General Li Xin is brave and skilled in battle, and is indeed a good general. However, he is too upright and may sometimes be stubborn. If he can be tempered a little, he will surely become a great man."
The King of Qin nodded slightly in agreement. He knew Li Xin's abilities well, but he also understood his character weaknesses. "What you said is quite accurate."
Seeing this, Ying Wuyou felt slightly relieved. She knew the king had a discerning eye and would certainly make good use of talent. But in her heart, Ying Wuyou sighed deeply: [Li Xin was one of the most regrettable generals of Qin. He was highly valued by the King of Qin at a young age. However, he was too young and inexperienced, and he underestimated the enemy on the battlefield. Coupled with the betrayal of Lord Changping, this led to the loss of 200,000 Qin soldiers in the attack on Chu. One defeat ruined his lifelong reputation; what a pity!]
Ying Wuyou had no idea how shocked and incredulous the King of Qin was at that moment. When the King of Qin heard that Lord Changping had actually betrayed him, he felt as if he had been struck by lightning, and he was completely stunned.
The King of Qin stared wide-eyed, his lips trembling slightly, almost unable to believe what he had just witnessed. He had assumed that Lord Changping would stand firmly by his side as always, supporting him without hesitation no matter the difficulties. But now, Lord Changping had suddenly turned against him, leaving the King of Qin utterly bewildered and heartbroken.
"How could this be?" the King of Qin murmured to himself, his heart filled with doubt and confusion. "Lord Changping... why would he do this? I trusted him so much, why would he betray me?"
The King of Qin's heart was in turmoil, as if swept by a storm. He recalled how Lord Changping had repeatedly helped and advised him at crucial moments; those scenes were still vivid in his mind. But now, everything had changed; Lord Changping had become his enemy, which filled the King of Qin with a deep sense of loss and anger.
He clenched his fists tightly, his nails digging deep into his palms, trying to suppress the turmoil within him.